Pei Wei Spicy Chicken Recipe

Name: Pei Wei Spicy Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup Broccoli florets; 0.5 cup Sliced bell peppers; 2 tablespoons Soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Sesame oil; 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes

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By: Maria
Posted: 08/02/2025

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s become a weekly staple in my house. It’s my take on the infamous Pei Wei Spicy Chicken Recipe, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Forget ordering takeout on those busy weeknights, because this dish is surprisingly easy to make and tastes even better! It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory that will have you coming back for more. If you love PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef, you’ll absolutely adore this chicken – it’s got a similar crave-worthy quality but with a delightful kick!

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What is Pei Wei Spicy Chicken?

Think of Pei Wei Spicy Chicken as a vibrant, flavorful stir-fry. It’s essentially tender pieces of chicken coated in a luscious, slightly sweet, and undeniably spicy sauce. The chicken is usually served over a bed of fluffy rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the bold flavors it delivers. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for satisfying those takeout cravings without actually leaving the house. Honestly, I think my version might even be better than the original!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Pei Wei Spicy Chicken Recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world! You get that initial sweetness that dances on your tongue, followed by a fiery kick that lingers just long enough to keep you wanting more. It’s an incredibly satisfying combination. What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to make. Seriously, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on those chaotic weeknights when you’re short on time and energy. Plus, the ingredients are relatively inexpensive, which is always a win in my book. This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, add your favorite veggies, or swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp. It’s also a fantastic way to use up any leftover veggies you have in the fridge. If you’re a fan of dishes like General Tso’s Chicken or Honey Sesame Chicken, you’re going to become obsessed with this recipe. It has that same addictive quality that keeps you coming back for more, but with a unique and flavorful twist. My family begs me to make this every week, and I never get tired of it!

How do I make spicy chicken?

Quick Overview

How do I make Pei Wei Spicy Chicken? What are some good ways to marinate chicken pieces in a hot pan? What are some good homemade sauces to serve with them? What makes this recipe special is the balance of flavors in the sauce – it’s sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy. Is it tangy at the same time? Is homemade sauce worth it? What is better than a jar?

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade: How do I make it
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. I always try to get organic, but any kind works.
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium is my preference)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps the chicken get nice and crispy)
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil (adds a lovely nutty flavor)

For the Spicy Sauce:
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (again, low sodium is best)
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar (adds a necessary tang)
* 2 tablespoons honey (for sweetness)
* 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (adds depth of flavor)
* 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced is key!)
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (I keep ginger in the freezer and grate it as needed)
* 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry: How
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced (adds a pop of color and sweetness)
* 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside. Is it safe to marinate for 15 minutes? I usually do this while I’m prepping the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, salt and pepper. Set aside. What are the ingredients for cornstarch, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, and sesame oil? Make sure everything is well combined before you start cooking.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken won’t brown properly.

Step 4: Add the Bell Pepper

Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until it’s tender. Is there a I like my bell peppers to have a bit of crunch, but cook them to your preference.

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce

Pour the spicy sauce over the chicken and bell pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens and coats the chicken evenly. Keep stirring to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the Pei Wei Spicy Chicken over a bed of rice. What are some good ways to add sesame seeds to a dish?

What should I serve it with?

This Pei Wei Spicy Chicken is delicious on its own, served over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. But if you want to take it to the next level, here are a few serving suggestions. For a complete meal, try serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. The fresh, green veggies provide a nice contrast to the rich and spicy chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with some Asian-inspired noodles, like lo mein or chow mein. The noodles soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite even more flavorful. This dish is also great served with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls. The crispy, savory rolls complement the spicy chicken perfectly. And for a refreshing touch, try serving it with a simple cucumber salad or a side of kimchi. My family also loves when I make a big batch of fried rice to go with it – seriously, that never lasts long! Honestly, the possibilities are endless. Just get creative and have fun with it!

What are some tips for perfecting a Pei Wei Spicy Chicken?

Want to make sure your Pei Wei Spicy Chicken turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips. First, don’t skip the marinade! Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. I’ve tried rushing it before and the chicken just isn’t as good. When you’re prepping the sauce, be sure to taste it and adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha. If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Another tip is to use a high-quality vegetable oil for stir-frying. This will help the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the pan. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan! Stir-fry the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure that it browns properly. I always make sure my wok is screaming hot before adding the chicken. For the bell peppers, you can use any color you like, but I find that red bell peppers add the most sweetness. If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with white vinegar, but the flavor won’t be quite as authentic. When thickening the sauce, be sure to whisk the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the pan. This will prevent it from clumping. Finally, garnish generously with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and flavor. I even sometimes throw in a handful of chopped peanuts for added crunch. Trust me, these little tips will make a big difference in the final result!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this Pei Wei Spicy Chicken stores beautifully. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When freezing, I recommend portioning it out into individual servings for easy thawing. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. One thing I’ve learned is that the chicken can sometimes dry out a bit when reheated, so I always add a little extra sauce to keep it moist. I also recommend reheating the rice separately to prevent it from becoming soggy. If you’re reheating from frozen, allow the chicken to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will help it reheat more evenly. Oh, and one last tip: don’t reheat the green onions! They’ll get all wilted and sad. Add fresh green onions after reheating for the best flavor and presentation. Trust me, these reheating tips will help you enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time!

What are some frequently asked questions?

Can I make this gluten free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. With these simple substitutions, you can enjoy this delicious dish without any gluten worries!

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and works well with other proteins. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Shrimp will cook much faster than chicken, while tofu and beef may require a bit more time.

How do I make this spicier?

If you’re a spice lover, there are several ways to kick up the heat in this dish. You can add more sriracha to the sauce, or you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicier chili paste, like gochujang. Another option is to add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the stir-fry. Experiment and find the spice level that’s perfect for you!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

What’s a good way to use up leftover veggies in the fridge? What are some great additions to a salad? Just add the vegetables to the skillet along with the bell pepper and stir-fry until they’re tender.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Can you prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator? When you’re ready to eat, simply stir-fry the chicken and bell pepper, add the sauce, and cook until tender. It’s heated through. What is a great option for preparing dinner on saturdays when you don’t have time to cook?

Final Thoughts

Okay, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Pei Wei Spicy Chicken! I truly believe this recipe is a winner because it’s so easy, so flavorful, and so customizable. It’s the perfect way to satisfy those takeout cravings without the guilt (or the delivery fees!). If you’re looking for more Asian-inspired recipes, be sure to check out my other stir-fry recipes. I’m always experimenting with new flavors and combinations. I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, be sure to share them – I’m always looking for new ideas! Happy cooking, friends!